The Netherton Hub, a key component of SSEN Transmission's £20 billion investment, has been in development for two years, with extensive engagement involving local communities and stakeholders. This engagement process has included four face-to-face consultation rounds with over 400 attendees, as well as the consideration of over 100 formal responses to proposals.
SSEN Transmission's 'Pathway to 2030' programme is one of the most substantial investments in the region's transmission network in decades, if not ever. It is projected to support 20,000 jobs across the UK supply chain, with around 9,000 of these jobs being based in Scotland. The Netherton Hub, situated near Longside, is a critical element of this programme and is expected to generate significant economic opportunities for local residents and businesses.
After a thorough evaluation of 13 potential sites, the Netherton Hub site was selected due to its suitability for hosting the proposed infrastructure, its lower environmental impact, and its potential for biodiversity net gain. The site's proximity to existing and planned infrastructure, as well as its accessibility via transport routes, further contributed to its selection.
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Community feedback has fed into the design of the hub. Concerns around potential issues with flooding, and the hub's visual impact, were expressed throughout the consultation process – with local insight helping to shape the plans that aim to mitigate against those concerns, and a significant portion of land on the site allocated for drainage, screening, bunding and landscaping. Once complete, the site will comprise:
• A 400kV substation to support offshore and onshore electricity generation;
• A 132kV substation to support further future generation and storage connections from third party developers;
• The Spittal to Peterhead High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from new generators in the north of Scotland to demand centres throughout the UK;
• The Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from generators in the north of Scotland to Norfolk and beyond;
• A further transmission hall, with capacity for more infrastructure to future proof the growing network; and
• A spares warehouse and operations base.
David Inge, SSEN Transmission's Offshore Development Portfolio Manager and Netherton Hub Lead, said: "After a lot of hard work from the project team, in consultation with communities and other key stakeholders, we are delighted to have reached the point of submitting our planning application to Aberdeenshire Council, seeking approval for the Netherton Hub.
"The proposed development forms a critical part of our £20bn investment programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, supporting thousands of jobs and providing an economic boost to the country, all whilst helping to deliver Scotland and the UK's energy security and clean power targets.
"We would like to thank the local community and wider stakeholders for their constructive engagement with our teams to help inform the development of the Netherton Hub.
"We now look forward to working with Aberdeenshire Council to progress a world leading energy hub that will be critical to delivering a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for future generations and will provide a significant boost to local and national economies."
